"For 2,000+ Mile Round-Trip Drivers Only!" (IV)

[deadheadmamma4]

On rt 95 now just paid 3.13 for gas omg so cheep 7 hours into our first trip to Disney kids still have no clue we are going stopping in rockypoint nc till sunday then off to Disney it's been a year of secret planning and it's here !!!!

 

[deadheadmamma4]

Driving from nj

 

[OKW Lover]

On rt 95 now just paid 3.13 for gas

Where was this?

 

[deadheadmamma4]

Outside Richmond va

 

[BC1836]

Outside Richmond va

Where exactly is home, deadheadmamma? Be as general or as specific as you wish.

All the best.

 

[disneynanacat]

Hello all, I've been lurking and reading here a little bit. We're driving to WDW 10/4/13, a Friday, from Lexington, KY. Plan on leaving as soon as all of us get off work and driving all night. Not sure yet what time we'll get started because my DGD's BF doesn't know his schedule yet. Could be late. My DGD18 works 3rd shift and used to being up all night and will have slept during the day. I'm an early to bed and early to rise girl so will bring us on in to WDW. We'll see. Our first destination will be Pop Century. We're staying one night there before moving to BLT on 10/6.

We'll have 3 drivers. Our party consists of myself, 55yo, DGD18, her BF21, and my other DGD9. It's BF21 first time to WDW and we're all very excited. Celebrating DGD18 high school graduation (late because they wanted to go for F&W and MNSSHP)

We usually fly but fares were way to high and with 3 drivers we decided to just drive. In my younger years I loved a good road trip but I'm finding myself dreading this drive for some reason. I think it's because I tend to worry more as I get older. Just want a safe trip. The last time I drove to WDW on the way home a ladder flew off the back of a pick up truck in front of me on the interstate. While I was a good distance behind him I had to swirve to miss it and it scared the crap out of me.

We're planning on shooting straight down I75. I thought about doing I75 > 40 > 27 > I95 down because I think it's a more scenic route and cuts out the long boring Georgia part. But, according to MapQuest that would add on another hour. And, since we're traveling at night and most will be sleeping anyway it doesn't matter what the scenery is. lol

I guess my questions for you good people here are:

1. Any tips for driving all night?

2. Do you think driving through Atlanta should be okay instead of the bypass around Atlanta?

3. Once we get near WDW it looks like a couple different ways to come in. I think I'm a little confussed about exactly what route we take and we to get off I75. What's the best way?

4. Any help getting me excited about the road trip?

5. Any other advice or concerns I didn't think of?


Thanks all! I'll have my iphone and will be checking in and giving gas prices, etc, along the way if it helps others. Once there, I'll also be doing live dining reports on the "Coming to you live" thread on the dining reviews board! lol With F&W and Deluxe Dining Plan I think this will be the trip we'll remember for eating way too much!

Sorry so long a post!

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I will be driving for the 4th time this coming August. We drive from south Jersey. I'm literally 5 minutes from most bridges to Philadelphia. We take 95 straight through. We've done it a few different ways

2003- drove through the night. We had DS 3 at the time. Left around 6 pm. Hit DC traffic! Got to Orlando around 10 am. XH drove almost all of the way. I drove maybe 4 hours. I do not like driving at night. When I'm tired I will fall asleep. Also I was nervous the whole trip because I was afraid he would fall asleep.

2008- we flew in. Rented a car.

2009- we left around 6 pm. We had DS 9 and DD 3. Hit the DC traffic again! Stopped in NC around midnight or 1 am and got a hotel. XH would have preferred to keep driving but I hate driving through the night and DD was throwing a tantrum because she wanted a bed. Lol. She could not sleep In her car seat. Left in the morning and got to Orlando around 4 pm. This wasn't bad. On the way home we drove straight through. Left around 9 am. Got home about 2 am.

2011- this was my favorite. Leaving at 4 am to beat DC traffic. Got to VA around 8 am. Stop for breakfast and let rush hour die down. Get to Orlando around 9 pm. Same with coming home except XH loved beating his old times and we made it this time at 730 pm after leaving at 4 am. We were actually divorced at this time but decided to still take them on this trip.

Now I will be going down with my SO and the kids. He's never done long road trips. We will definitely leave at 4 am to beat the DC traffic. Idk if he will be exhausted and want to stop for a hotel as we get closer. Or if we can make it straight through. I have us checking in on 8/22. I wanted to check in 8/21 but don't want to take that risk if we decide to stop in Georgia overnight. I'm also ok with getting there late 8/21 and getting a hotel near Disney, getting a good nights sleep and checking in 8/22.

Will I be ok with not making a hotel reservation and picking where to stop? Is there a high chance I won't find vacancies? When we went in 2009 and drove we had no trouble finding a hotel but this was in March.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Also my kids will be DS 14 and DD 8 when we go. They do pretty well on road trips as long as we leave very early. That way they sleep those first 5 or so hours and they take naps along the way.

DS will have his iPhone and laptop with headphones to listen to music or play games.

I'm planning on getting DD an iPad for Christmas so that'll keep her occupied.

I also pack crayons, coloring books, books, crafts, activity books, etc to keep them occupied.

As for food we stop for breakfast. I pack snacks, uncrustables, water and juice for the trip. I also pack a picnic lunch so we don't have to get fast food or pay for lunch too. Plus it's a nice rest at the rest stop for everyone to get air, spread their legs and for the kids to move around.

 

[LadyBeBop]

We're planning on shooting straight down I75. I thought about doing I75 > 40 > 27 > I95 down because I think it's a more scenic route and cuts out the long boring Georgia part. But, according to MapQuest that would add on another hour. And, since we're traveling at night and most will be sleeping anyway it doesn't matter what the scenery is. lol

I think you mean I-26, not I-27. To me, the drive on I-26 through SC is more boring than the drive through Georgia.

1. Any tips for driving all night?

Caffeine and either audiobooks or podcasts on your iPhone.

Do you think driving through Atlanta should be okay instead of the bypass around Atlanta?

You should be fine early on a Saturday morning. If necessary, stay in the far left lane (the carpool lane).

Thanks all! I'll have my iphone and will be checking in and giving gas prices, etc, along the way if it helps others.

It should. We'll be heading down from Northern Kentucky three weeks later.

Once there, I'll also be doing live dining reports on the "Coming to you live" thread on the dining reviews board! lol With F&W and Deluxe Dining Plan I think this will be the trip we'll remember for eating way too much!

Sounds delicious. Can't wait.

Sorry so long a post!

Hmm Were we keeping track?

Anyway, thanks again in advance.

 

[disneynanacat]

I think you mean I-26, not I-27. To me, the drive on I-26 through SC is more boring than the drive through Georgia.



Caffeine and either audiobooks or podcasts on your iPhone.



You should be fine early on a Saturday morning. If necessary, stay in the far left lane (the carpool lane).




It should. We'll be heading down from Northern Kentucky three weeks later.



Sounds delicious. Can't wait.



Hmm Were we keeping track?

Anyway, thanks again in advance.

Thanks! Also, what about tolls? Will I run into any toll roads coming into Florida? If so, how much change will I need to be sure I have?

 

[LadyBeBop]

Thanks! Also, what about tolls? Will I run into any toll roads coming into Florida? If so, how much change will I need to be sure I have?

No tolls until you reach the Florida Turnpike.

Looks like it's $3.75 from the beginning of the turnpike to I-4 in Orlando.

There are optional toll roads off I-4 tp get to WDW.

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

How do you all make the seats in your car more comfortable for a long trip? We have a 15 hour drive coming up and after a couple ours it is torture because the seats are not supportive at all. Any ideas?

 

[dvczerfs]

WE ARE HOME!

we departed okw this morning at 2am and pulled into the driveway at 6pm.

noticed gas prices in Virginia as low as $3.09 to $3.39 in most places. (I went 81/77/26/95)

no issues coming or going.

that was the third trip in four months!!!!

the best part, we leave in 86 more days!!!!
Christmas with B at okw!!!!

 

[BC1836]

WE ARE HOME!

we departed okw this morning at 2am and pulled into the driveway at 6pm.

noticed gas prices in Virginia as low as $3.09 to $3.39 in most places. (I went 81/77/26/95)

no issues coming or going.

that was the third trip in four months!!!!

the best part, we leave in 86 more days!!!!
Christmas with B at okw!!!!

Welcome back, "Mileage Master!" If you complete your December drive you will add to your one record and join another.

Here's an update on this thread's all-time records [see page 1]:

All-Time "For 2,000+ Mile Round-Trip Drivers Only!" Records (updated 9/22/13)

Most Total Drives: 56 (since '73): dvczerfs

Most Drives in One Decade/10-Year Period: 27 (2003-2012): bc1836

Most Drives in One Calendar Year: 4 (four times: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011): bc1836; (two times: 2009 & 2012): cruisingkat

Most Drives in One 12-Month Period: 5 (12/08-12/09; 2012): cruisingkat; (12/09-12/10): bc1836

Most "Non-Stop" Drives: 12 (2008-2012): bc1836

Shortest Time Between Drives: 19 days (2009): cruisingkat

Most passengers in one vehicle: 10 (2010: 2 adults, 8 kids; 1999 Chevy Express Van): birdslightyear (aka just*the*ten*of*us)

Longest Drive (one way): 2,070 miles (2013): Shir Khan (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)

Second Longest Drive (one way): 1,953 miles (2011): peigirl (Stratford, Prince Edward Island, Canada)

 

[cruisingkat]

Just realized that in 1 week, we will be doing our 21st drive down in 7 years - 19 of those were done over 6 years.. We started driving down to Disney after I retired in early 2007. In 2012, we managed 5 trips, with 3 of them occurring in a three month span - one in Oct for my birthday & F&W, one in Nov to cheer on our son when he ran the Wine & Dine half marathon, and one in Dec. for the Candlelight Processional & Christmas decorations.

 

[BC1836]

Just realized that in 1 week, we will be doing our 21st drive down in 7 years - 19 of those were done over 6 years.. We started driving down to Disney after I retired in early 2007. In 2012, we managed 5 trips, with 3 of them occurring in a three month span - one in Oct for my birthday & F&W, one in Nov to cheer on our son when he ran the Wine & Dine half marathon, and one in Dec. for the Candlelight Processional & Christmas decorations.

Howdy!

Five drives in 2012? If so, I will correct the all-time records info that you previously provided: four drives in 2012.

All the best.

 

[cruisingkat]

Howdy!

Five drives in 2012? If so, I will correct the all-time records info that you previously provided: four drives in 2012.

All the best.

We did do that fifth drive in Dec. I posted about it in Jan once I got the unpacking, washing, restocking the food supplies, and just got back to normal life. 2012 we drove down in Feb to cheer on our daughter when she ran the Princess half, June for our anniversary, Oct for my birthday and F&W and MNSSHP, Nov.for cheering on our son when he ran the Wine and Dine half, and Dec. for MVMCP, Candlelight Processional, and to see the decorations. A couple of those trips included 5 trips included 2 stays at Disney - we would drive down, spend a couple of days at Disney, drive elsewhere in FL, and then spend a couple of days at Disney on our way back home so we actually got 7 stays on Disney property and 1 stay at Universal during those 5 trips. Also that year I flew to DL to cheer on my daughter for the Disneyland half marathon and the finish of her Coast-to-Coast so I really got a lot of Disney in that year. Even though we did 3 trips in 3 months, between each we still had more than days at home than our record of 19 days between trips although not by much.
I usually post about our trips after the fact, DH is paranoid about my posting before a trip - letting others know we will be away from home.

 

[BC1836]

We did do that fifth drive in Dec. I posted about it in Jan once I got the unpacking, washing, restocking the food supplies, and just got back to normal life. 2012 we drove down in Feb to cheer on our daughter when she ran the Princess half, June for our anniversary, Oct for my birthday and F&W and MNSSHP, Nov.for cheering on our son when he ran the Wine and Dine half, and Dec. for MVMCP, Candlelight Processional, and to see the decorations. A couple of those trips included 5 trips included 2 stays at Disney - we would drive down, spend a couple of days at Disney, drive elsewhere in FL, and then spend a couple of days at Disney on our way back home so we actually got 7 stays on Disney property and 1 stay at Universal during those 5 trips. Also that year I flew to DL to cheer on my daughter for the Disneyland half marathon and the finish of her Coast-to-Coast so I really got a lot of Disney in that year. Even though we did 3 trips in 3 months, between each we still had more than days at home than our record of 19 days between trips although not by much.
I usually post about our trips after the fact, DH is paranoid about my posting before a trip - letting others know we will be away from home.

The All-Time Records on page #1 has been updated to include your record (among a few others that you hold)!

All the best.

 

[ParrotBill]

I guess my questions for you good people here are:

1. Any tips for driving all night?

3. Once we get near WDW it looks like a couple different ways to come in. I think I'm a little confussed about exactly what route we take and we to get off I75. What's the best way?

4. Any help getting me excited about the road trip?

5. Any other advice or concerns I didn't think of?

Here's the answers I can help with:

1. We've done this a number of times... driver gets preference of temperature, music. Keep drink and snacks, especially mints handy. Stop often. If everyone else falls asleep, you must stop if you start to feel drowsy! Change drivers often through night hours... every 2 hours perhaps unless the driver is feeling very good and awake. WATCH OUT FOR EVERYONE ELSE. There are lots of people and truck drivers pushing their limits. Find out where you can get 24 hour gas, and food and drink if needed (Truck stops! - plug "truck stop" into google maps.)

3. I recommend you stick with I-75. I-26 and I-95 are two lanes for a lot of the way until Florida. Slow down, speed up, blocked lanes, very annoying at all times of night and day. Coming in to Florida take the FL Turnpike (toll) to 429/Western Beltway (toll) then take exit 8 Western Way. That goes into WDW and at the end turn R for All Stars and AK areas, left for all others.

4. After flying became a hassle and more expensive I learned to love to drive.
I make a chart with a drive plan showing likely places to stop for gas and food, search for and record our favorite places (Starbucks!) If there is planning left to do we do it along the way, or we talk about what are our favorites and priorities. Now that our phones are decent Internet devices we can log in to DIS or do other research, read menus and such.

5. make sure everyone has everything they need to be comfortable. Pillows, light blankets, music players, chargers, snacks, a small cooler for drinks.

have a great trip!

 

[dvczerfs]

We did do that fifth drive in Dec. I posted about it in Jan once I got the unpacking, washing, restocking the food supplies, and just got back to normal life. 2012 we drove down in Feb to cheer on our daughter when she ran the Princess half, June for our anniversary, Oct for my birthday and F&W and MNSSHP, Nov.for cheering on our son when he ran the Wine and Dine half, and Dec. for MVMCP, Candlelight Processional, and to see the decorations. A couple of those trips included 5 trips included 2 stays at Disney - we would drive down, spend a couple of days at Disney, drive elsewhere in FL, and then spend a couple of days at Disney on our way back home so we actually got 7 stays on Disney property and 1 stay at Universal during those 5 trips. Also that year I flew to DL to cheer on my daughter for the Disneyland half marathon and the finish of her Coast-to-Coast so I really got a lot of Disney in that year. Even though we did 3 trips in 3 months, between each we still had more than days at home than our record of 19 days between trips although not by much. I usually post about our trips after the fact, DH is paranoid about my posting before a trip - letting others know we will be away from home.

Hard to compete with a retiree. Lol

"Sittin low and drivin slow" lol